Fluid flow meter

ABSTRACT

In a remote read-out fluid meter, a novel impulse generator is provided. The impulse generator is removably mounted to the meter casing and includes a magnet mounted on a rotating gear which is reciprocated once for each revolution of the drive gear of a meter measuring mechanism. The reciprocal movement of the magnet is detected by a stationary armature which for each reciprocation of the magnet generates an electrical impulse which operates a remotely positioned counter. The generator includes a mounting bracket which permits quick and easy insertion or removal from the meter casing.

United States Patent 1 Lutz et al.

[ FLUID FLOW METER [75] Inventors: Paul D. Lutz,

William M. Booth,

both of Grand Haven, Mich.

[73] Assignee: Carlon Meter Company, Inc.

Grand Haven, Mich.

[22] Filed: June 21, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 154,947

[52] U.S. Cl. 73/231 R, 73/258, 74/435 [51] Int. Cl. G0lf 3/12 [58]Field of Search 73/258, 231; 74/435 [56] References Cited UNITED STATESPATENTS 3,564,919 2/1971 Varga 73/258 l I i 0 M I 90 9z ma 9! 94 e 00Primary Examiner--Richard C. Queisser Assistant ExaminerArthur E.Korkosz Attorney-Price, l-leneveld, l-luizenga & Cooper [5 7 ABSTRACT Ina remote read-out fluid meter, a novel impulse generator is provided.The impulse generator is removably mounted to the meter casing andincludes a magnet mounted on a rotating gear which is reciprocated oncefor each revolution of the drive gear of a meter measuring mechanism.The reciprocal movement of the magnet is detected by a stationaryarmature which for each reciprocation of the magnet generates anelectrical impulse which operates a remotely positioned counter. Thegenerator includes a mounting bracket which permits quick and easyinsertion or removal from the meter casing.

19) Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PATENIED NOV 2 0 I973 SHEET 2 CF 2INVENTORS zurz M L 4m M. 5001' FLUID FLOW METER BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION In conventional water flow meters, the register forms a partof the measuring mechanism making it inconvenient to read since themechanism is generally located in the basement of a home or building.Present proposals provide a remote counting mechanism which iselectrically interconnected to the flow meter, but mounted in a moreconvenient location such as on the exterior of a building. The impulsegenerators suggested by these proposals however have been inadequate forseveral reasons. One drawback is the provision of a rotating armature.This causes continual movement and bending of the lead wires and therebyshortens the service life of the unit. Another drawback is thepermanency with which the generator is mounted to the flow meter. Thismeans that if there is a malfunction, no matter how simple, the entiremeasuring mechanism as well as the impulse generator must be removedand/or replaced. Further, another problem in remote read-out unitsresides in the present requirement that the remote read-out unitsconstitute substantially different components than the direct read-outdevices, therefore requiring the manufacturer to make and stock largenumbers of different components for the two different type of units.Thus, there is a present need for an improved remote read-out meterwhich can utilize the present direct read-out components and in whichthe impulse generator can be simply and quickly removed from the flowmeter casing as a unit to permit maintenance and/or replacement thereof.There is also a need for a less complex, less expensive generator.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION This invention relates to a device for actuating avisible counter located remotely from a fluid flow meter measuringmechanism and, more particularly, to a device which converts the kineticenergy of a rotating spindle into pulses of electrical energy foroperation of water meter counters. To fulfill the present needs, thisinvention proposes a fluid flow meter and easing which includes arotating spur gear driven by a spindle which rotates in response todefined volumes or rates of fluid flow. An impulse generator is mountedto a mounting bracket and cover and includes a spring biased recipro--eating spur gear intermittently driven by said rotating gear in adirection opposite the direction of bias. After each phase of drivingengagement, the energy converted by the rotating spindle into the springcauses rapid counter revolution of the reciprocating gear. A magnet ismounted to the reciprocating gear for rotation therewith adjacent adetection means which detects the rotating magnetic field and convertsthe rotating field into an electrical impulse. The electrical impulsegenerated is transmitted through appropriate lead wires to an externallypositioned counter for actuation of same. The impulse generator andmounting bracket are slidable' within an opening in the meter casing forproper indexing of said reciprocating gear with said rotating spur gear.The mounting bracket includes means for hermetically sealing the bracketwithin said openings. A preferred detection means includes an armaturemounted within a eylindrically shaped magnet so that when the springbiased reciprocating spur gear is released from engagement with saidrotating spur gear, the rapid rotation of said reciprocating gearinduces a current through said armature which is tranmitted through thelead wires to said external counter.

One advantage of the proposed invention is the improved simplicity ofthe impulse generator which greatly increases the service life of thegenerator. Another important advantage is the arrangement of thegenerator and mounting bracket as a single unit which can be insertedand removed as a unit from the flow meter without requiring anadjustment or alteration of any other part of the flow meter. Thisprovides extreme economy in both parts and labor since a malfunctioningof the generator does not require removal or replacement of the entireflow meter assembly. Also, the time required to ascertain the problem isgreatly diminished since the generator can be removed and inspected as aunit simply by removing the mounting screws.

In addition, the generator proposed by this invention in one form ispositioned side-by-side in relation to the measuring mechanism so thatthe generator may be easily mounted to existing meters already in use.While the upper casing may require re-placement with one including thegenerator housing, the side-by-side relationship permits easy reading ofthe main registering at the meter situs if desired. Various otheradvantages will become apparent in light of the following description ofthe preferred embodiment and attached drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevation view in cross sectionof the upper portion of a fluid flow meter embodying the novel impulsegenerator provided by this invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the flow meter with the top portion of thecasing eliminated showing the reciprocating spur gear at the beginningof drive engagement;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the reciprocating and drive gears at thetermination of the drive phase; and

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the impulse generator assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT While the impulse generatorprovided by this invention is adaptable to a variety of applications, itwill be described and illustrated in detail in connection with a waterflow meter commonly found in the basement of a home which is suppliedwith water by a public utility system. In such systems, the meterregister is usually included in the measuring mechanism and hence is notpositioned in a very convenient place for periodic water readings. Toeliminate this inconvenience, this invention proposes a novel impulsegenerator mechanism 10 which converts the kinetic energy of a rotatingspindle operated by'the flow meter into pulses of electrical energywhich are transmitted to a register positioned remotely from the flowmeter. The most convenient position for such a remotely positionedregister is on the exterior of the building to permit free access forthe meter reader without necessitating entry into the building. Inaddition, the impulse generator provided by this invention requires noexternal or auxiliary source of power for operation other than thatderived from the flow meter itself.

Also, an important aspect of the invention provides a flow meter with ahousing 12 having two side-by-side enclosures 13 and 94 enclosing theprimary measuring mechanism 16 and the impulse generator 10. Thispermits easy reading of the main registry at the meter situs if desired.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, FIG. 1 shows the upper casing11 of a flow meter 14 which includes a housing 12 having side-by-sideenclosures l3 and 94 enclosing the volume or flow rate measuringmechanism l6 and impulse generator 10. The housing 12 is anchored to theupper casing 11 by a plurality of set screws 15. The specific details ofthe fluid flow meter and measuring mechanism are well known to thoseskilled in this art and hence not explained in detail. It is sufficientto appreciate that through the operation of the various gears and spurgears incorporated in the measuring mechanism, a sweep hand 18 isrotated at a rate responsive to whatever the volume of flow is throughthe meter. A graduated indexing face 20 positioned below the sweep handindicates the number of units such as gallons is flowing through themeter. Each revolution of the sweep hand advances a digital register 22which provides a visual record of the volume flow over a period of time.

A spur gear 24 is mounted on a rotating spindle 26 which isinterconnected to the measuring mechanism 16 so that the spur gear 24will make one complete revolution in response to a selected volume offlow through the meter which will advance register 22 one unit. Whilethe calibration is arbitrary, the rate of revolution is generallydefined in terms of 100, 500, or 1,000 gallons of water flow through themeter. Only a portion 48 of spur gear 24 includes gear teeth so that itsdrive characteristic is intermittent with respect to each revolution.

The impulse generator includes a reciprocating spur gear 28 operativelyengagable by rotating spur gear 24 during a portion of each revolutionof gear 24. During the remainder of each revolution, gear 28 is outsidethe influence of gear 24. Reciprocating spur gear 28 includes agenerally washer-shaped portion 30. The circumferencial periphery of thewasher-shaped portion is comprised of three distinct portions 32, 34 and36. Portion 32 is comprised of gear engaging teeth 33 for engagementwith portion 48 of rotating spur gear 24. A second portion 34 isrecessed with respect to the projection of teeth 32 so that it is freeof spur gear 24 and the third portion 36 which projects radially equalto the gear teeth 32 includes a spring receiving or mounting trackway38.

The significance of these portions is as follows. Reciprocating spurgear 28 is spring biased in a direction opposite that in which the spurgear is driven by rotating gear 24. This can be accomplished in variousways, however, one configuration is to provide a post 40 mountedadjacent spur gear 28 within recessed portion 34 to which is anchored acoil spring 42 whose opposite end is anchored to a post 44 mounted onspur gear 28 in the trackway 38. The trackway 38 at its opposite endfrom post 44 terminates in a stop face 46 which is initially in closeproximity to post 40. As the reciprocating spur gear is driven byrotating gear 24, the stop surface 46 along with the entirereciprocating gear is rotated counterclockwise until the tooth portion48 of gear 24 and tooth portion 32 of gear 28 reach a position whereinthey will become disengaged as shown in FIG. 3. In this position, thespring bias is a maximum. Upon disengagement of the two gears, thespring will snap the reciprocating gear 28 in a clockwise direction veryrapidly until stop surface 46 abuts against post 40. This impulsivemovement of reciprocating gear 28 provides the necessary motion foroperating the impulse generator which will be described in more detailhereinafter. After this impulsive movement, rotating gear 24 continuesto rotate in response to flow through the meter with the non-engagingportion 50 rotating past the outer periphery of spur gear 28. At thetermination of this non-engaging portion, teeth 48 on gear 24 will oncemore engage teeth 32 on gear 28 and begin reciprocal drive of gear 28 ina counterclockwise direction.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a gapped portion 52 is provided at theinception of teeth 33 on the reciprocating spur gear to guarantee asmooth non-binding start of engagement between the two rotating gears.The deletion of teeth in the gapped portion permits the introduction ofteeth 48 into a meshed relationship with teeth 33. Once the lead tooth47 on rotating gear 24 is in driving abutment with the lead tooth 49 onreciprocating gear 28, the spacing is defined and accurate meshengagement is provided between the remaining teeth on each gear.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the preferred arrangement of the generator 10is shown. In addition to the washer portion 30 of reciprocating gear 28,a pair of longitudinally extending cylindrical segment portions 56 and58 are provided integral with the washer portion. These segments locateand index a two pole magnet 60 wherein each pole is comprised of acylindrical segment 62 and 64 which correspond in overall dimensions tosegments 56 and 58 of the reciprocating gear to form a lock fittherebetween. In this fashion, the impulsive movement of reciprocatinggear 28 likewise moves magnet 60 impulsively to produce a rotatingmagnetic field. It is the detection of this magnetic field andconversionto an electrical output signal which operates the remotelyplaced register (not shown). It will be appreciated that magnet 60 couldbe a one piece cylinder and multi-poled. The preferred form howeverreduces the amount of magnetic material required and hence is moreeconomical.

A preferred detection means 68 includes a pole piece 70 and winding 72.The pole piece is comprised of a ferromagnetic material and along withwinding 72 forms a conventional armature which detects and converts therotating magnetic field to an impulse voltage across the opposite endsof the armature winding which terminates in two lead wires 74 and 76. Byinterconnecting the remote register with the lead wires throughappropriate circuitry, the remote register is appropriately indexedduring each impulsive rotation of reciprocation gear 28. A cylindricalshield is provided over the armature and magnet pieces 62 and 64 inorder to confine and concentrate the rotating magnetic field to producea strong impulse to drive the remote register. It will be appreciatedthat various modifications could be employed to achieve the same result.However, one advantage of the preferred embodiment is that the polepieces and winding remain stationary with the magnet rotatingthereabout. Since the lead wires come from the pole piece or armature,they are likewise stationary and therefore the service life of thegenerator itself is greatly increased.

Additional advantages are provided by this invention according to theunique way that the impulse generator is arranged to provide a capsulewhich can be quickly and simply inserted or removed from the meterhousing 12 as a single unit in order to provide quick In this regard, agenerally L-shaped mounting bracket 92 is provided for mounting thegenerator thereon, the bracket and generator being insertable into aradially extending enclosure portion 94 integral with the enclosureportion 13 of meter housing 12. The horizontal leg 96 (FIGS. 1 and 4)includes a pair of recessed portions 98 and 100 which index and anchorpole piece 70 relative to spur gear 28 and magnets mounted thereon.

Referring briefly to FIG. 4, pole piece 70 is shown to be an integralmember having an overall I-I-shaped configuration, each leg of the Hhaving an overall cylindrical configuration. The longitudinal length ofthe pole piece exceeds that of the magnet and shield so that when it ispositioned centrally therein, the legs 71 and 73 project beyond the endsof the magnet and shield. In this fashion, the lower portions areinsertable into recessed portions 98 and 100 to anchor the pole pieceinto place on mounting bracket 92. With pole piece 70 and armature 72 inposition, the reciprocating spur gear 28 is inserted over the pole pieceand the magnets 62 and 64 are indexed into position between thelongitudinally extending projections 56 and 58 of the spur gear. Themagnetic attraction between the pole piece 70 and magnetic pieces 62 and64 will hold the generator generally in place. The reciprocating spurgear 28 is comprised of a suitable friction free material such asplastic so that the engagement between the upper surface 95 of leg 96 ofbracket 92 and the bottom surface of washer portion 30 of gear 28 doesnot pose a problem in terms of resisting the rotation of the spur gear.A relatively smooth upper surface 95 on the mounting bracket of courseis desired. As shown in FIG. 4, a bearing 97 of suitable material may beprovided to facilitate relative movement between the spur gear andbracket. With pole pieces 70, spur gear 28 and magnets 62 and 64 inposition, shield 80 can be installed.

Preferably, a radial flange 81 extends inwardly from the upper edge 83of shield 80, flange 81 coming into abutment with the upper surfaces 61and 63 of projection 56, 58 and magnets 62 and 64 to properly positionthe shield. A non-magnetic cap 110 comprised of a material similar tospur gear 28 fits over the upper end of the pole piece legs 71 and 73 tocomplete the formation of generator 10. Cap 110 (FIG. 1) includes acentral depending portion 112 which fits snugly between the upperextending projections of the pole piece legs 71 and 73 and includes apair of recessed portions 114 and 1 16 corresponding to portions 98 and100 on mounting bracket 92 to encapsulate the upper ends of the polelegs. The upper surface 118 of cap 110 is generally flat except for adome shaped portion 120 which extends above surface 1 18 to form afriction keeper for locking the generator capsule in the motor casing ina fashion explained hereinafter. Preferably, a pair of openings 117 and119 are provided in cap 110 for lead wires 74 and 76. The lead wires arepreferably connected to a pair of terminals 122 and 124 mounted in thevertical leg 126 of mounting bracket 92. The terminals extend throughleg 126 of the bracket for connection to electrical circuitry whichleads to the remote register.

Turning now to the meter and generator housing arrangement shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, enclosure portion 94 is shown to have a generallyrectangular cross section including a bottom 130, top 132 and sides 134and 136 with an open end 138. With the impulse generator mounted on thehorizontal leg 96 of the mounting bracket, and with the lead wiresappropriately attached to terminals 122 and 124, the entire generatorand mounting bracket are inserted in opening 138 of generator enclosure94. The generator is positioned on the mounting bracket so that when thevertical leg 92 of bracket abuts against end 138 of enclosure 94,reciprocating spur gear 28 is properly positioned for mesh engagementwith rotating spur gear 24. Also, the spacing between the bottom and top132 of the enclosure is such that the friction keeper 120 provides a afriction tight engagement with top 132 so that the entire impulsegenerator arrangement is held positively in position by the pressuregenerated on cap 110.

Preferably, a gasket 140 is positioned intermediate that portion of themounting bracket which abuts against end 138 of enclosure 94 and withappropriate mounting screws 142, the bracket is secured to housing 12.The gasket 140 provides a hermetic seal between the mounting bracket andmeter casing so that there can be no contamination of the meteringmechanism and impulse generator while the meter is being used. Ifdesired, a cover plate 144 covers terminals 122 and 124, the platehaving appropriate apertures 146 and 148 permitting insertion ofappropriate electrical circuitry to be connected to the remotelypositioned register.

The generator and measuring mechanism, housing 12 defines both themeasuring mechanism enclosure 13 and generator enclosure 94 in aside-by-side relationship. This permits the existing measuring mechanism16; meter face 20 and digital register 22 to be read clearly at themeter situs if desired. Thus, the generator 10 and its enclosure 94 doesnot prevent one from taking a meter reading at the situs of the meter.An opening 150 is provided at the juncture of the generator enclosure 94and measuring mechanism enclosure 13 to permit spur gears 24 and 28 toengage for operation of the generator. Preferably the entire housing 12is an integral plastic casting which is anchored to upper casing 11 byset screws 15. Although the casing 11 is bronze, the plastic housing 12reduces the overall cost of the meter and, it can easily be attached toexisting meters although in some cases the upper casing 11 must also bereplaced.

Thus, the entire generator and mounting bracket as a single unit can besimply and quickly inserted or removed from the housing 12 of the meterfor repair or replacement. This greatly reduces the labor commensuratewith working on the generator if there is indeed a malfunction withoutrequiring the adjustment of any of the gearing of the meauring mechanism16.

ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION Briefly, the assembly and operation is asfollows. With the impulse generator 10 assembled as described, themounting bracket 90 is inserted through opening 138 into the generatorenclosure 94 which is preferably integral with the upper housing 12 ofcasing 11. Spring of spur gear 24 will initiate mesh engagement withtoothed portion 32 of spur gear 28 and cause reciprocal movement of thereciprocating spur gear in a counterclockwise direction thus increasingthe tension on spring 42. The circumferential lengths of toothedportions 32 and 48 are identical so that when the reduced smooth portion50 of spur gear 24 approaches close proximity to spur gear 28, thesmooth portion 36 of spur gear 28 likewise approaches. As soon as thereis a break in mesh engagement between the two spur gears, spring 42rapidly rotates spur gear 28 in a clockwise direction causing the twopole magnets 60 to create a moving magnetic field. The stationary polepieces 70 and armature winding 72 detects this magnetic field andconverts it into an electrical impulse signal which is transmitted vialead wires 74 and 76. This signal is conducted to a remotely positionedregister (not shown) and is intense enough to actuate the register whichis calibrated in denominations of 100 gallons. Thus, the kinetic energyof the rotating spindle 26 or spur gear 24 is converted into anelectrical pulse having sufficient energy to operate an indexingregister. This is accomplished without requiring the movement of any ofthe electrical contact circuitry leading from the detection means 68 tothe register itself. Also, the entire impulse generator is mounted on abracket forming a capsule which can be simply and effectively insertedor removed from the meter housing should maintenance or replacement berequired. The unique combination of parts used provides an accurate,reliable device which is economical to manufacture and requires noauxiliary power source other than that Although but one embodiment hasbeen shown and described in detail, it will be obvious to those havingordinary skill in this art that the details of construction of thisparticular embodiment may be modified in a great many ways withoutdeparting from the unique concepts presented. It is therefore intendedthat the invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claimsother than by particular details of construction shown, except asspecifically stated in the claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows.

1. In an improved fluid flow meter device having a measuring meansmounted to the casing of said meter, said means including a rotatingspindle and spur gear mountedthereon, each revolution of said spur gearbeing responsive to a defined volume or rate of flow through said meter,registry means mounted remotely from said meter, said registry meansproviding a visual read out on the volume or rate of flow through saidmeter, said improvement comprising an impulse generator for convertingthe movement of said rotating spindle and spur gear into pulses ofelectrical energy for actuation of said registry means, said impulsegenerators including a reciprocating gear driven by said rotating spurgear; means biasing said reciprocating gear opposite the direction ofdrive, said reciprocating gear driven by said rotating gear, during onlya portion of each revolution of said rotating gear, said reciprocatinggear when released from the influence of said rotating gear beingrapidly rotated in a direction opposite said drive direction by saidbiasing means; magnetic means operatively associated with saidreciprocating spur gear for joint rotation therewith so that when saidbiasing means rapidly rotates said reciprocating gear, said magneticmeans creates a moving magnetic field; and detection means being mountedstationary with respect to said reciprocating spur gear and magneticmeans for detecting said moving magnetic field and converting saidmovement into an electrical output signal which is transmitted throughelectrical circuitry interconnecting said meter and remotely positionedregistering means to actuate said registry means.

2. The improvement according to claim 1 wherein said magnetic means iscomprised of one or more cylindrically shaped elements operativelyassociated with said reciprocating gear for joint rotation therewith,and said detection means is comprised of a pole piece positioned withinsaid magnetic means and having a core having a series of wire windingaround said core, said windings having a pair of leads adapted to beconnected to an electrical circuit, said wire windings detecting saidmoving magnetic field and converting said movement into an electricalimpulse of current through said leads, said detection means beingstationary with respect to said reciprocating gear and magnetic means.

3. The improvement according to claim 2 wherein said meter casingincludes a housing portion for receiving said generator, said housingportions having an opening to permit insertion thereof, said impulsegenerator including a mounting bracket for mounting said generatorthereto to permit quick and easy insertion and removal of said bracketsand generator into and out of said meter case housing.

4. The improvement according to claim 3 wherein said housing portionincludes a pair of side-by-side enclosures, one of said enclosuresenclosing said measuring mechanism, and the other of said enclosuresenclosing said impulse generator to permit visual reading of saidmeasuring mechanism at the meter situs.

5. The improvement according to claim 4 wherein said housing is anintegral member comprised of plastic or the like.

6. The improvement according to claim 3 wherein said impulse generatoris mounted on said bracket so that when said bracket is inserted in saidcase housing, said generator is accurately indexed so that saidreciprocating spur gear is positioned for engagement by said rotatingspur gear.

7. The improvement according to claim 3 wherein said bracket includes anend wall portion which encloses said housing opening when said generatoris inserted in said housing, said end wall including fastener means forhermetically sealing said generator within said housing and a pair ofterminal posts mounted through said end wall to permit said lead wiresto be electrically interconnected to appropriate wiring connectedexternally to said posts.

8. The improvement according to claim 3 wherein said housing bracketincludes a lower horizontal portion for supporting said generator and avertical end wall portion which closes said generator housing openingwhen said bracket is inserted into said case housing, said horizontalportion including a recessed portion for receiving the lower projectingportions of said pole piece to properly index said generator, saidreciprocating spur gear and magnetic means adapted to telescope aroundsaid pole piece, said pole piece having an upper portion projectingabove said reciprocating gear and magnetic means, said impulse generatorfurther including a generally disc-shaped cap having a recess portionfor receiving the upper projections of said pole piece and a keeperportion projecting upwards from said cover so that when said generatorand mounting bracket are inserted in said housing, said keeper portionis adapted to form a friction tight fit with the upper wall of saidhousing to anchor said generator in its desired position.

9. The improvement according to claim 2 wherein said reciprocating spurgear is comprised of a first peripheral portion having teeth forengagement with said rotating spur gear, a second peripheral portionhaving an overall radius equal to the radius of said toothed portion,and a third peripheral portion recessed radially with respect to saidfirst and second portions said biasing means comprising a coil springconnected at one end to a post, anchored in said recess portion, theother end of said spring being anchored to a stem mounted on saidreciprocating spur gear in close proximity to the termination pointbetween said first and second peripheral portions, the terminationbetween said second and third peripheral portions providing a stopengageable with said post so that when said spur gear is rotated againstthe bias of said spring and released for rapid rotation in the oppositedirection by said spring, said stop limits further rotation of saidreciprocating gear when it comes into contact with said post.

10. The improvement according to claim 9 wherein said reciprocating spurgear includes a pair of axially extending generally cylindrically shapedprojection members in an opposedand spaced relationship, said magneticmeans including a pair of opposite poled magnets positionable betweensaid reciprocating gear projections to form a continuous cylindricalring.

11. The improvement according to claim 9 wherein said driving engagementbetween said reciprocating spur gear in said rotating gear is initiatedat the termination between said first and third peripheral portions ofsaid reciprocating gear, said tooth portion including a first tooth atsaid termination point and a gap of at least one tooth between saidfirst and subsequent teeth to eliminate any possible adverse bindingbetween said gear teeth.

12. An improved impulse generator for converting the kinetic energy of arotating spindle into pulses of electric energy comprising, incombination: a rotating spur gear driven by said spindle a reciprocatingspur gear driven by said rotating gear; means biasing said reciprocatinggear in a direction opposite the direction of drive; magnetic meansoperatively associated with said reciprocating spur gear for rotationtherewith, said reciprocating gear driven by said rotating gear duringonly a portion of each revolution of said rotating gear so that whensaid driving relationship is terminated, said biasing means acts torapidly rotate said reciprocating gear and magnetic means associatedtherewith in a direction opposite said drive direction to create amoving magnetic field; and means for detecting said moving magneticfield and converting said movement 10 into an electrical output signal,said detection means being mounted stationary with respect to saidreciprocating spur gear and magnetic means.

13. The combination according to claim 12 wherein said magnetic means iscylindrical, and said detection means is comprised of a pole piecemounted within the confines of said magnetic means said pole pieceincluding a winding around its core, said winding comprised of wireproviding a pair of electrical leads, said winding comprising anarmature for detecting and converting said rotating magnetic field intoan impulse of current through said wires.

14. The combination according to claim 12 wherein said magnetic means iscomprised of two separate magnets of opposite polarity said magnetsbeing mounted for rotation about the axis of said reciprocating spurgear with said detection means mounted intermediate said two segments.

15. An improved fluid flow meter device for use with a fluid flowmeasuring means comprising, in combination, a mechanism for indicatingthe volume or rate of fluid flow means for mounting said mechanismadjacent a fluid flow measuring means; an impulse generator positionedside-by-side of said mechanism, said impulse generator being operativelyassociated with said mechanism to actuate a register positioned remotelyfrom said meter to record said volume or rate of flow; a meter casing;an upper housing mounted to said casing, said housing having a pair ofside-by-side enclosures, one of said enclosures enclosing said impulsegenerator and having a removable portion to permit insertion and removalof said generator independent of said measuring means, the other of saidenclosures enclosing said mechanism, said pair of enclosures includingmeans defining an opening to permit physical communication between saidgenerator and mechanism.

16. The fluid flow meter according to claim 15 wherein said upperhousing is an integral member comprised of plastic or the like.

17. The fluid flow meter according to claim 15 wherein said impulsegenerator is mechanically engaged with said measuring means through saidopening when said impulse generator is positioned in said one of saidenclosures.

18. The fluid flow meter according to claim 17 wherein said impulsegenerator includes a rotating drive gear in mesh engagement with a spurgear of said measuring means when said impulse generator is positionedin said one of said enclosures.

19. The fluid flow meter according to claim 15 wherein said impulsegenerator is mounted on a cartridge-like bracket, said one of saidenclosures including means for indexing said impulse generator in saidone of said enclosures, said cartridge-like bracket including a platefor covering said opening.

ii i

zgigg *UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORREC'HON Patent No.3 772 ,91;7 Dated November 20 1973 Inventor(s) Lutz et a1 It iscertified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent .are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 2, line 1 'tranmitted" should be -transmitted--;

line 21; "re-placement" should be --replacement--. Column 6, line 51;"meauring" should be n-measuring"; line 66; "1G." shouldbe "Pig's-.3Column 7, line 32; after "that" insert -d'erived from the measuringmechanism itse1f.--.

Signed and sealed this 16th day of April 1971+. '1'

-(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD'IILFLETCHERJR I I Q. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissionerof Patents

1. In an improved fluid flow meter device having a measuring meansmounted to the casing of said meter, said means including a rotatingspindle and spur gear mounted thereon, each revolution of said spur gearbeing responsive to a defined volume or rate of flow through said meter,registry means mounted remotely from said meter, said registry meansproviding a visual read out on the volume or rate of flow through saidmeter, said improvement comprising an impulse generator for convertingthe movement of said rotating spindle and spur gear into pulses ofelectrical energy for actuation of said registry means, said impulsegenerators including a reciprocating gear driven by said rotating spurgear; means biasing said reciprocating gear opposite the direction ofdrive, said reciprocating gear driven by said rotating gear, during onlya portion of each revolution of said rotating gear, said reciprocatinggear when released from the influence of said rotating gear beingrapidly rotated in a direction opposite said drive direction by saidbiasing means; magnetic means operatively associated with saidreciprocating spur gear for joint rotation therewith so that when saidbiasing means rapidly rotates said reciprocating gear, said magneticmeans creates a moving magnetic field; and detection means being mountedstationary with respect to said reciprocating spur gear and magneticmeans for detecting said moving magnetic field and converting saidmovement into an electrical output signal which is transmitted throughelectrical circuitry interconnecting said meter and remotely positionedregistering means to actuate said registry means.
 2. The improvementaccording to claim 1 wherein said magnetic means is comprised of one ormore cylindrically shaped elements operatively associated with saidreciprocating gear for joint rotation therewith, and said detectionmeans is comprised of a pole piece positioned within said magnetic meansand having a core having a series of wire winding around said core, saidwindings having a pair of leads adapted to be connected to an electricalcircuit, said wire windings detecting said moving magnetic field andconverting said movement into an electrical impulse of current throughsaid leads, said detection means being stationary with respect to saidreciprocating gear and magnetic means.
 3. The improvement according toclaim 2 wherein said meter casing includes a housing portion forreceiving said generator, said housing portions having an opening topermit insertion thereof, said impulse generator including a mountingbracket for mounting said generator thereto to permit quick and easyinsertion and removal of said brackets and generator into and out ofsaid meter case housing.
 4. The improvement according to claim 3 whereinsaid housing portion includes a pair of side-by-side enclosures, one ofsaid enclosures enclosing said measuring mechanism, and the other ofsaid enclosures enclosing said impulse generator to permit visualreading of said measuring mechanism at the meter situs.
 5. Theimprovement according to claim 4 wherein said housing is an integralmember comprised of plastic or the like.
 6. The improvement according toclaim 3 wherein said impulse generator is mounted on said bracket sothat when said bracket is inserted in said case housing, said generatoris accurately indexed so that said reciprocating spur gear is positionedfor engagement by said rotating spur gear.
 7. The improvement accordingto claim 3 wherein said bracket includes an end wall portion whichencloses said housing opening when said generator is inserted in saidhousing, said end wall including fastener means for hermetically sealingsaid generator within said housing and a pair of terminal posts mountedthrough said end wall to permit said lead wires to be electricallyinterconnected to appropriate wiring connected externally to said posts.8. The improvement accordIng to claim 3 wherein said housing bracketincludes a lower horizontal portion for supporting said generator and avertical end wall portion which closes said generator housing openingwhen said bracket is inserted into said case housing, said horizontalportion including a recessed portion for receiving the lower projectingportions of said pole piece to properly index said generator, saidreciprocating spur gear and magnetic means adapted to telescope aroundsaid pole piece, said pole piece having an upper portion projectingabove said reciprocating gear and magnetic means, said impulse generatorfurther including a generally disc-shaped cap having a recess portionfor receiving the upper projections of said pole piece and a keeperportion projecting upwards from said cover so that when said generatorand mounting bracket are inserted in said housing, said keeper portionis adapted to form a friction tight fit with the upper wall of saidhousing to anchor said generator in its desired position.
 9. Theimprovement according to claim 2 wherein said reciprocating spur gear iscomprised of a first peripheral portion having teeth for engagement withsaid rotating spur gear, a second peripheral portion having an overallradius equal to the radius of said toothed portion, and a thirdperipheral portion recessed radially with respect to said first andsecond portions said biasing means comprising a coil spring connected atone end to a post, anchored in said recess portion, the other end ofsaid spring being anchored to a stem mounted on said reciprocating spurgear in close proximity to the termination point between said first andsecond peripheral portions, the termination between said second andthird peripheral portions providing a stop engageable with said post sothat when said spur gear is rotated against the bias of said spring andreleased for rapid rotation in the opposite direction by said spring,said stop limits further rotation of said reciprocating gear when itcomes into contact with said post.
 10. The improvement according toclaim 9 wherein said reciprocating spur gear includes a pair of axiallyextending generally cylindrically shaped projection members in anopposed and spaced relationship, said magnetic means including a pair ofopposite poled magnets positionable between said reciprocating gearprojections to form a continuous cylindrical ring.
 11. The improvementaccording to claim 9 wherein said driving engagement between saidreciprocating spur gear in said rotating gear is initiated at thetermination between said first and third peripheral portions of saidreciprocating gear, said tooth portion including a first tooth at saidtermination point and a gap of at least one tooth between said first andsubsequent teeth to eliminate any possible adverse binding between saidgear teeth.
 12. An improved impulse generator for converting the kineticenergy of a rotating spindle into pulses of electric energy comprising,in combination: a rotating spur gear driven by said spindle areciprocating spur gear driven by said rotating gear; means biasing saidreciprocating gear in a direction opposite the direction of drive;magnetic means operatively associated with said reciprocating spur gearfor rotation therewith, said reciprocating gear driven by said rotatinggear during only a portion of each revolution of said rotating gear sothat when said driving relationship is terminated, said biasing meansacts to rapidly rotate said reciprocating gear and magnetic meansassociated therewith in a direction opposite said drive direction tocreate a moving magnetic field; and means for detecting said movingmagnetic field and converting said movement into an electrical outputsignal, said detection means being mounted stationary with respect tosaid reciprocating spur gear and magnetic means.
 13. The combinationaccording to claim 12 wherein said magnetic means is cylindrical, andsaid detection means is comprised of a pole piece mounted within theconfines of said Magnetic means said pole piece including a windingaround its core, said winding comprised of wire providing a pair ofelectrical leads, said winding comprising an armature for detecting andconverting said rotating magnetic field into an impulse of currentthrough said wires.
 14. The combination according to claim 12 whereinsaid magnetic means is comprised of two separate magnets of oppositepolarity said magnets being mounted for rotation about the axis of saidreciprocating spur gear with said detection means mounted intermediatesaid two segments.
 15. An improved fluid flow meter device for use witha fluid flow measuring means comprising, in combination, a mechanism forindicating the volume or rate of fluid flow means for mounting saidmechanism adjacent a fluid flow measuring means; an impulse generatorpositioned side-by-side of said mechanism, said impulse generator beingoperatively associated with said mechanism to actuate a registerpositioned remotely from said meter to record said volume or rate offlow; a meter casing; an upper housing mounted to said casing, saidhousing having a pair of side-by-side enclosures, one of said enclosuresenclosing said impulse generator and having a removable portion topermit insertion and removal of said generator independent of saidmeasuring means, the other of said enclosures enclosing said mechanism,said pair of enclosures including means defining an opening to permitphysical communication between said generator and mechanism.
 16. Thefluid flow meter according to claim 15 wherein said upper housing is anintegral member comprised of plastic or the like.
 17. The fluid flowmeter according to claim 15 wherein said impulse generator ismechanically engaged with said measuring means through said opening whensaid impulse generator is positioned in said one of said enclosures. 18.The fluid flow meter according to claim 17 wherein said impulsegenerator includes a rotating drive gear in mesh engagement with a spurgear of said measuring means when said impulse generator is positionedin said one of said enclosures.
 19. The fluid flow meter according toclaim 15 wherein said impulse generator is mounted on a cartridge-likebracket, said one of said enclosures including means for indexing saidimpulse generator in said one of said enclosures, said cartridge-likebracket including a plate for covering said opening.